very_o strange_a that_o have_v the_o institution_n be_v temporary_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n shall_v never_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o constant_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n without_o the_o least_o warrant_v so_o to_o do_v either_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v object_v yet_o far_o that_o though_o form_n of_o god_n appoint_v may_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v yet_o form_n of_o man_n composure_n ought_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o appoint_v new_a scripture_n for_o public_a instruction_n because_o the_o inspire_a person_n do_v so_o as_o we_o may_v appoint_v new_a form_n for_o public_a worship_n because_o they_o do_v so_o but_o this_o objection_n also_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o objection_n allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o otherwise_o god_n must_v have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n nay_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v his_o form_n be_v a_o tacit_n approbation_n of_o other_o form_n that_o be_v prescribe_v before_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o god_n but_o by_o man_n too_o for_o the_o jew_n use_v several_a form_n of_o human_a composure_n in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o disapprove_v they_o that_o he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o own_o disciple_n which_o form_n as_o mr._n gregory_n have_v prove_v he_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a form_n in_o who_o book_n the_o several_a part_n and_o clause_n of_o it_o be_v extant_a almost_o verbatim_o to_o this_o day_n and_o certain_o have_v he_o disapprove_v their_o form_n as_o evil_a and_o sinful_a he_o will_v never_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o prayer_n out_o of_o they_o since_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o form_n in_o such_o circumstance_n signify_v his_o approbation_n of_o other_o form_n it_o be_v plain_a either_o that_o he_o approve_v what_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o form_n be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o public_a form_n to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o useful_a for_o otherwise_o god_n who_o always_o act_v for_o wise_a end_n and_o use_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n will_v never_o have_v prescribe_v any_o form_n and_o certain_o what_o be_v once_o useful_a be_v useful_a still_o for_o 1._o we_o be_v now_o dull_a and_o carnal_a enough_o to_o need_v form_n and_o 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v one_o to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o gospel-state_n 3._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v also_o allow_v that_o god_n prescribe_v form_n by_o inspire_a person_n may_v be_v lawful_o imitate_v by_o we_o provide_v we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n as_o long_o as_o form_n be_v useful_a 4._o that_o though_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n after_o god_n example_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n or_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o as_o spiritual_a governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n after_o god_n example_n but_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspire_a person_n so_o they_o may_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n after_o god_n example_n but_o can_v pretend_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspiration_n they_o have_v god_n example_n for_o do_v the_o action_n but_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o inspiration_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o without_o manifest_a falsehood_n and_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n example_n will_v warrant_v for_o the_o one_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v they_o false_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o other_o thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n be_v authorize_v by_o god_n example_n to_o prescribe_v other_o when_o they_o judge_v they_o useful_a ii_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v prescribe_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o conceive_v or_o extempore_o prayer_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v extempore_o and_o therefore_o form_n have_v a_o better_a claim_n to_o divine_a authority_n than_o they_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o wheresoever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o conception_n and_o word_n but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o certain_o when_o god_n command_v man_n to_o pray_v by_o his_o own_o form_n they_o do_v pray_v vocal_o though_o not_o in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o here_o let_v i_o take_v notice_n that_o dissenter_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o call_v the_o use_v a_o form_n not_o prayer_n but_o read_v a_o prayer_n but_o sure_o the_o levites_n do_v real_o pray_v when_o they_o use_v the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o asaph_n and_o so_o do_v the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o form_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o vocal_a prayer_n for_o vocal_a prayer_n consist_v in_o the_o speak_n of_o our_o devout_a affection_n to_o god_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n but_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatsoever_o instance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o form_n in_o old_a time_n god_n have_v declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v pray_v by_o our_o own_o gift_n of_o utterance_n for_o the_o future_a now_o methinks_v have_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v by_o form_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o express_a prohibition_n of_o it_o especial_o since_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v form_n and_o philo_n the_o victim_n p._n 483._o and_o the_o modern_a rabbin_n own_o the_o same_o they_o be_v also_o a_o people_n most_o tenacious_a of_o their_o custom_n and_o therefore_o need_v to_o be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o form_n have_v our_o lord_n design_v to_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o his_o worship_n nay_o the_o essenes_n who_o of_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v most_o ready_o embrace_v christianity_n have_v certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o josephus_n observe_v de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 2._o c._n 7._o p._n 783._o now_o when_o those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o form_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o have_v christ_n intend_v they_o shall_v use_v they_o no_o long_o he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v they_o express_v warning_n of_o they_o but_o when_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v he_o bid_v they_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v they_o think_v but_o that_o he_o design_v they_o shall_v still_o use_v a_o form_n as_o they_o do_v before_o be_v not_o that_o his_o design_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o he_o take_v no_o care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o but_o that_o i_o may_v full_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n i_o shall_v examine_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o dissenter_n think_v it_o do_v god_n say_v they_o have_v promise_v we_o a_o ability_n to_o utter_v our_o mind_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n but_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o this_o ability_n which_o they_o pretend_v be_v promise_v for_o the_o purpose_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v a_o common_a gift_n which_o god_n have_v no_o more_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n than_o to_o any_o other_o end_n of_o utterance_n and_o elocution_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o in_o prayer_n be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n than_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o just_a and_o lawful_a occasion_n however_o because_o they_o urge_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v design_v mere_o for_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v they_o 1._o they_o urge_v zach._n 12.10_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n the_o hebrew_n word_n translate_v supplication_n do_v always_o say_v they_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n must_v imply_v communicate_v a_o ability_n to_o pray_v vocal_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n be_v no_o
more_o restrain_v to_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o any_o other_o word_n that_o signify_v prayer_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v psal_n 28.2_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n do_v not_o necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hebraiâ—â—_n and_o may_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o my_o supplication_n or_o prayer_n for_o so_o gen._n 4.10_o it_o be_v say_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n cry_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o blood_n have_v no_o real_a voice_n to_o cry_v with_o but_o cry_v just_a as_o mental_a prayer_n do_v in_o other_o place_n the_o word_n signify_v both_o mental_a and_o vocal_a prayer_n indifferent_o psal_n 86.6_o &_o 6.9_o or_o prayer_n in_o general_n jer._n 31.9_o but_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v always_o use_v for_o vocal_a prayer_n yet_o sure_o the_o promise_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n intend_v a_o much_o great_a good_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o extempore_o utterance_n in_o prayer_n of_o which_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o what_o be_v that_o great_a good_a but_o the_o gift_n of_o heavenly_a affection_n in_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n crying_z abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o and_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n rom._n 8.15_o and_o that_o these_o text_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v vocal_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o these_o word_n oblige_v we_o to_o cry_v vocal_o to_o god_n by_o our_o own_o gift_n than_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v in_o all_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n to_o cry_v to_o he_o in_o these_o word_n abba_n father_n because_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n which_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o make_v and_o the_o text_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o express_v for_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o 2._o i_o deny_v that_o cry_n here_o do_v necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o word_n apply_v to_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o voice_n at_o all_o thus_o the_o stone_n will_v immediate_o cry_v out_o luke_n 19.40_o and_o the_o labourer_n hire_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v to_o god_n james_n 5.4_o and_o indeed_o cry_v to_o god_n have_v the_o same_o latitude_n with_o prayer_n which_o include_v both_o vocal_a and_o mental_a 3._o suppose_v that_o cry_n abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n signify_v vocal_a prayer_n yet_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o assurance_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a father_n and_o this_o we_o may_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o form_n as_o otherwise_o for_o if_o we_o never_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o when_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a extempore_o prayer_n than_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a form_n because_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n in_o neither_o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o gift_n of_o utterance_n which_o say_v they_o be_v give_v for_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o preach_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n be_v miraculous_a and_o particular_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n this_o gift_n say_v saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n 24._o ad_fw-la eph._n c._n 6._o be_v that_o which_o christ_n promise_v mark_v 13.11_o by_o which_o the_o disciple_n speak_v without_o premeditation_n and_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v the_o inspire_v word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o gift_n no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act._n 2.4_o and_o the_o dissenter_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n as_o that_o of_o utterance_n they_o be_v both_o extraordinary_a but_o say_v they_o though_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o yet_o some_o have_v and_o therefore_o god_n require_v such_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o gift_n and_o not_o by_o a_o form_n for_o he_o require_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v the_o gift_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o to_o minister_v the_o gift_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o and_o that_o have_v gift_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o and_o if_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o general_a than_o they_o must_v exercise_v their_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o in_o particular_a now_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o timothy_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a power_n which_o he_o be_v exhort_v to_o exercise_v diligent_o for_o at_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n point_v out_o the_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n as_o the_o 13.2_o the_o clem._n 1_o epist_n ad_fw-la corinth_n chrysost_n in_o act._n 13.2_o father_n testify_v for_o this_o reason_n the_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v he_o by_o prophecy_n it_o be_v give_v also_o with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o these_o two_o circumstance_n prove_v that_o the_o gift_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o god_n particular_a appointment_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v how_o do_v this_o text_n prove_v that_o we_o must_v use_v a_o gift_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n in_o our_o own_o word_n as_o for_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o rom._n 12.6_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o they_o against_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o than_o they_o will_v make_v as_o much_o against_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o any_o other_o form_n 2._o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o text_n be_v to_o stir_v man_n up_o to_o diligence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o several_a office_n viz._n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n a_o priest_n a_o deacon_n and_o a_o rich_a man._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o word_n gift_n do_v oftentimes_o signify_v a_o office_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v rather_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o ability_n than_o a_o office_n yet_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o office_n because_o the_o very_a have_v ability_n do_v as_o much_o put_v a_o man_n into_o the_o office_n of_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o if_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o to_o it_o by_o a_o solemn_a ordination_n 3._o suppose_v that_o by_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o mean_v office_n but_o only_a ability_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o exercise_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o be_v use_v 1_o cor._n 14.2_o 6_o 19_o 40._o as_o it_o be_v particular_o plain_a by_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n vers_fw-la 23_o 26_o 28._o now_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o exercise_v our_o gift_n but_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o edification_n than_o we_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o any_o far_a than_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o since_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n do_v as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v tend_v more_o to_o edification_n than_o pray_v extempore_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o suspend_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o those_o text_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v prove_v nothing_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v that_o antiquity_n do_v the_o same_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v 1._o by_o answer_v those_o authority_n which_o be_v object_v by_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n 2._o by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o age_n by_o a_o short_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o justin_n martyr_n say_v apol._n 2._o p._n 98._o that_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o communion_n pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
who_o they_o know_v may_v sometime_o mistake_v their_o passion_n for_o their_o zeal_n and_o wreak_v their_o anger_n or_o their_o faction_n in_o their_o prayer_n or_o let_v drop_v a_o error_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a or_o express_v themselves_o so_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o join_v so_o that_o in_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n a_o man_n must_v judge_v what_o be_v say_v before_o he_o can_v consent_v to_o it_o and_o if_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o rub_n the_o minister_n go_v on_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o the_o man_n be_v leave_v behind_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o perhaps_o confound_v before_o he_o can_v join_v again_o and_o no_o soon_o perhaps_o be_v he_o well_o fix_v but_o he_o be_v trouble_v again_o with_o the_o same_o inconveniency_n all_o which_o be_v easy_o prevent_v by_o the_o use_n of_o form_n 4._o form_n do_v not_o divert_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o extempore_o prayer_n do_v which_o disturb_v devotion_n whenever_o the_o minister_n hesitate_v or_o blunder_n or_o express_v himself_o improper_o for_o then_o some_o will_v be_v pity_v other_o contemn_v other_o carp_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o perform_v well_o some_o will_v admire_v his_o phrase_n judgement_n readiness_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n do_v call_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o matter_n 5._o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o thing_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n be_v better_o secure_v by_o form_n than_o by_o extempore_o prayer_n where_o they_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o minister_n for_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o bad_a memory_n or_o apt_a to_o blunder_v or_o be_v dull_a etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n and_o of_o this_o i_o have_v see_v too_o many_o sad_a experiment_n but_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o able_a and_o pious_a person_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o indisposition_n of_o body_n dulness_n inadvertency_n etc._n etc._n with_o outward_a care_n and_o accident_n and_o if_o he_o be_v he_o must_v many_o time_n pray_v confuse_o or_o with_o break_a indecent_a expression_n and_o omit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o matter_n sometime_o he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o be_v force_v to_o use_v fulsome_a repetition_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a almost_o but_o that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o flat_a and_o empty_a nonsense_n undigested_a conception_n and_o unadvised_a expression_n shall_v escape_v from_o his_o lip_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o this_o if_o he_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o modesty_n must_v put_v he_o into_o great_a confusion_n and_o so_o amaze_v he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o able_a to_o recover_v himself_o now_o be_v it_o not_o a_o hard_a case_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o five_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o person_n must_v be_v disturb_v by_o one_o man_n disorder_n for_o they_o must_v either_o pray_v after_o he_o or_o not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v prevent_v by_o set_v public_a form_n 6._o those_o that_o join_v in_o a_o form_n may_v be_v better_o secure_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o own_o devotion_n for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o form_n be_v not_o so_o much_o surprise_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o affect_v may_v more_o safe_o conclude_v it_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o not_o the_o word_n that_o move_v they_o whereas_o a_o man_n that_o be_v tickle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n may_v fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v very_o devout_a when_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o true_a devotion_n in_o he_o i_o may_v add_v more_o but_o i_o think_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v a_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o very_o much_o help_v devotion_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v still_o object_v that_o he_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o form_n do_v actual_o deaden_v his_o devotion_n because_o his_o affection_n be_v flat_a and_o heavy_a when_o he_o use_v they_o but_o he_o be_v almost_o transport_v when_o he_o hear_v a_o man_n pray_v extempore_o i_o beseech_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o his_o experience_n be_v not_o found_v in_o prejudice_n and_o whether_o his_o prejudice_n ought_v to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v certain_a other_o man_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o join_v with_o a_o form_n do_v help_v their_o devotion_n so_o that_o here_o be_v experience_n against_o experience_n now_o since_o two_o contrary_a experience_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n therefore_o one_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o man._n now_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o many_o man_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o form_n do_v help_v devotion_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v the_o same_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o himself_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o matter_n impartial_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o we_o have_v scripture_n and_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n but_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o passion_n which_o may_v be_v charm_v and_o flatter_v and_o will_v betray_v he_o into_o strong_a delusion_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o extempore_o prayer_n that_o affect_v he_o for_o that_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o a_o form_n and_o if_o he_o be_v take_v with_o the_o chime_a of_o word_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sensitive_a delight_n and_o he_o must_v not_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n only_o to_o gratify_v his_o fancy_n beside_o i_o desire_v he_o strict_o to_o examine_v his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o often_o be_v as_o dull_a at_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o at_o the_o public_a form_n if_o so_o than_o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o not_o the_o form_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a iniquity_n who_o divide_v the_o church_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n and_o charge_v his_o own_o formality_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n do_v stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o before_o i_o answer_v this_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n first_o then_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n attribute_v to_o he_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o other_o that_o be_v ordinary_a fix_v and_o stand_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a be_v the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o express_v it_o in_o know_v or_o unknown_a language_n we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v thus_o pray_v hannah_n who_o as_o the_o targum_fw-la paraphrase_n it_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n for_o pray_v and_o praise_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v frequent_o call_v prophesy_v 1_o sam._n 10.5_o numb_a 11.25_o 1_o chron._n 25.1_o luc._n 1.67_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o those_o prayer_n and_o praise_n together_o with_o those_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o sundry_a other_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o pentecost_n wherein_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v communicate_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o very_a language_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v immediate_o inspire_a this_o gift_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n because_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o enable_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o perform_v their_o office_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n they_o be_v send_v to_o but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n from_o god_n as_o other_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o 1_o cor._n 14.22_o and_o therefore_o since_o all_o miracle_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o after_o a_o time_n to_o cease_v certain_o this_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o too_o however_o because_o many_o dissenter_n think_v it_o not_o a_o extraordinary_a but_o a_o stand_a gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n will_v communicate_v to_o
all_o successive_a age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o gift_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v presumption_n to_o promise_v ourselves_o what_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v we_o for_o as_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n zac._n 12.10_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o inward_a piety_n and_o devotion_n but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o good_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o inspiration_n for_o all_o good_a christian_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a dissenter_n as_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o unjust_a censure_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a who_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o be_v always_o fain_o to_o depend_v either_o on_o his_o own_o invention_n or_o a_o form_n 2._o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n it_o be_v true_a the_o spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o our_o duty_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n to_o expect_v a_o immediate_a inspiration_n in_o prayer_n because_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o plain_o instruct_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v by_o any_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v after_o all_o a_o necessity_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o reason_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o plain_a word_n nor_o memory_n enough_o to_o retain_v it_o but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v rom._n 8.26_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o all_o case_n know_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n relate_v not_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o know_v not_o that_o be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v with_o that_o fervency_n and_o resignation_n which_o we_o ought_v unless_o the_o spirit_n assist_v we_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n they_o shall_v be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o we_o since_o we_o may_v use_v form_n and_o those_o form_n with_o small_a addition_n may_v be_v adapt_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n 3._o if_o prayer_n be_v inspire_a they_o be_v equal_a to_o scripture_n and_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o whatever_o god_n inspire_v must_v needs_o be_v so_o but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v presume_v to_o say_v 4._o there_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o this_o immediate_a inspiration_n remain_v among_o we_o heretofore_o all_o inspiration_n be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n but_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n have_v no_o miracle_n to_o warrant_v it_o whereas_o if_o the_o inspiration_n be_v continue_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o proper_a sign_n shall_v be_v continue_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v whether_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o inspiration_n be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o inspiration_n itself_o whether_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n may_v pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n by_o natural_a inspiration_n that_o be_v by_o a_o natural_a or_o accidental_a fervency_n of_o temper_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o instance_n and_o in_o this_o case_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v by_o scripture_n whether_o his_o present_a inspiration_n be_v natural_a or_o divine_a it_o will_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o god_n inspire_v good_a man_n with_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o this_o fervency_n sometime_o proceed_v from_o temper_n of_o body_n and_o why_o do_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o sign_n to_o distinguish_v conclude_v against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o fervency_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n for_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o not_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o word_n of_o they_o beside_o we_o may_v easy_o distinguish_v whether_o the_o inspiration_n of_o fervency_n be_v natural_a or_o divine_a by_o our_o own_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o constant_a devotion_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v divine_a but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o sudden_a fit_a and_o leave_v we_o habitual_o indevout_a we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o think_v it_o natural_a but_o we_o can_v distinguish_v by_o scripture_n between_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o both_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o have_v god_n mean_v to_o continue_v the_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v leave_v we_o thus_o in_o the_o dark_a concern_v it_o without_o any_o certain_a sign_n to_o distinguish_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o his_o spirit_n or_o from_o a_o ill-affected_a spleen_n or_o a_o fever_n 2._o as_o for_o diabolical_a inspiration_n we_o have_v sundry_a instance_n such_o as_o wier_n hacket_n d._n george_n and_o john_n basilides_n duke_n of_o russia_n who_o have_v such_o gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o ravish_v the_o auditor_n and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o impartial_a seem_v to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o make_v many_o think_v they_o immediate_o inspire_a by_o god_n now_o since_o by_o such_o inspiration_n the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o serve_v his_o own_o end_n by_o recommend_v false_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v he_o do_v use_v that_o method_n and_o since_o he_o may_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o scripture_n certain_o distinguish_v between_o his_o inspiration_n and_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o think_v that_o if_o god_n have_v continue_v this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n he_o will_v leave_v we_o without_o a_o sign_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v diabolical_a and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o think_v the_o gift_n be_v cease_v but_o far_o we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n but_o many_o very_a certain_a one_o of_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v instance_n in_o four_o 1._o the_o great_a impertinence_n nonsense_n and_o rudeness_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o be_v sometime_o mingle_v with_o these_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o which_o we_o can_v attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o blasphemy_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v so_o general_o tincture_v with_o the_o particular_a opinion_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v they_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o so_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_a for_o either_o we_o must_v suppose_v this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n to_o be_v consign_v to_o one_o party_n which_o will_v be_v to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n with_o a_o witness_n or_o else_o we_o must_v blasphemous_o say_v the_o spirit_n inspire_v contradiction_n and_o indite_v contrary_a prayer_n to_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n 3._o another_o plain_a sign_n that_o conceive_v prayer_n be_v not_o inspire_a be_v that_o that_o which_o give_v they_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v so_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o matter_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v they_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n i_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o our_o form_n may_v equal_v at_o least_o if_o not_o excel_v their_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o
difference_n must_v be_v in_o the_o manner_n but_o be_v conceive_v prayer_n the_o more_o inspire_a because_o the_o word_n be_v extempore_o do_v god_n continue_v the_o gift_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o man_n may_v ask_v those_o thing_n extempore_o which_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v ask_v in_o a_o form_n or_o be_v they_o more_o inspire_a because_o they_o do_v general_o more_o enlarge_v and_o express_v the_o same_o matter_n over_o again_o in_o different_a word_n be_v the_o spirit_n continue_v only_o to_o vary_v phrase_n our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o use_v vain_a repetition_n or_o as_o munster_n hebrew_a read_v it_o to_o multiply_v word_n above_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o seasonable_a think_v we_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o our_o much_o speak_n and_o therefore_o these_o enlargement_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sign_n of_o their_o immediate_a inspiration_n that_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o christ_n they_o be_v general_o sign_n of_o the_o contrary_n 4._o that_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o express_v they_o for_o which_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v inspire_a ordinary_o proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n viz._n natural_a enthusiasm_n or_o present_a fervour_n of_o temper_n for_o 1._o the_o dissenter_n confess_v it_o come_v upon_o they_o much_o often_o in_o their_o public_a than_o in_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v so_o excite_v their_o affection_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o a_o auditory_a oblige_v they_o so_o much_o to_o wreck_v their_o invention_n that_o their_o spirit_n be_v many_o time_n transport_v into_o rapture_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o so_o fluent_a in_o the_o beginning_n as_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v a_o while_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v this_o because_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o move_v so_o brisk_o till_o they_o be_v chafe_v and_o heat_v with_o labour_n then_o do_v they_o natural_o raise_v the_o fancy_n and_o render_v the_o invention_n more_o copious_a and_o easy_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v unwarrantable_a to_o attribute_v that_o to_o inspiration_n which_o do_v so_o apparent_o proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pretend_v to_o in_o these_o time_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v very_o brief_o what_o those_o ordinary_a operation_n be_v which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v therefore_o the_o proper_a grace_n and_o affection_n of_o prayer_n such_o as_o shame_v sorrow_n hope_v etc._n etc._n but_o as_o for_o the_o expression_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v of_o no_o account_n with_o god_n but_o as_o they_o signify_v to_o he_o the_o grace_n and_o affection_n of_o it_o now_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o those_o affection_n will_v be_v the_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v present_v in_o a_o form_n and_o not_o extempore_o will_v a_o father_n deny_v bread_n to_o his_o child_n because_o he_o ask_v it_o to_o day_n in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o he_o do_v yesterday_o be_v god_n more_o take_v with_o word_n than_o with_o affection_n certain_o his_o withdraw_a the_o inspiration_n of_o word_n and_o continue_v the_o inspiration_n of_o affection_n prove_v the_o contrary_n now_o that_o god_n do_v continue_v the_o inspiration_n of_o devout_a affection_n in_o prayer_n be_v manifest_a from_o gal._n 4.6_o judas_n 20._o and_o rom._n 8.26_o where_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v that_o be_v with_o most_o flagrant_a affection_n for_o these_o word_n do_v not_o as_o some_o person_n will_v persuade_v we_o prove_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n because_o the_o inspiration_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o big_a for_o word_n and_o can_v be_v utter_v can_v mean_v the_o inspiration_n of_o word_n but_o this_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n signify_v his_o exciting_a such_o affection_n as_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a for_o as_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n enforce_v our_o prayer_n with_o his_o own_o intercession_n so_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v our_o advocate_n upon_o earth_n beget_v those_o affection_n which_o render_v our_o prayer_n prevalent_a and_o these_o be_v the_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a operation_n which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n second_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n be_v a_o phrase_n that_o be_v never_o mention_v in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a new_a objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v warrant_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n however_o what_o the_o dissenter_n mean_v by_o it_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o by_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n we_o stint_n or_o limit_n that_o be_v restrain_v the_o spirit_n from_o give_v we_o that_o assistance_n which_o he_o ordinary_o vouchsafe_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o now_o have_v explain_v the_o two_o forego_v particular_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n will_v be_v very_o easy_a for_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v stint_v or_o restrain_v by_o form_n of_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o inspire_v the_o word_n or_o from_o exciting_a the_o affection_n of_o prayer_n but_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o form_n be_v so_o far_o from_o restrain_v the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o do_v very_o much_o promote_v and_o improve_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o word_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o since_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n have_v withdraw_v the_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a inspiration_n of_o they_o and_o since_o that_o can_v be_v stint_v which_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o stint_v by_o form_n 3._o it_o be_v object_v that_o public_a form_n be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o dissenter_n say_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o ability_n to_o express_v our_o mind_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o minister_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a devotion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o omit_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o use_v form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o minister_n to_o omit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ability_n yet_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o god_n will_v not_o reject_v the_o people_n devotion_n because_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o blame_v he_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o that_o for_o the_o people_n do_v not_o join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o omission_n but_o in_o that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 2._o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o inspire_a at_o ordination_n because_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o promise_v any_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o experience_n of_o it_o nay_o the_o dissent_v minister_n must_v own_v that_o just_a before_o their_o ordination_n they_o be_v as_o able_a to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o a_o congregation_n as_o they_o be_v just_a after_o which_o show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o new_a ability_n to_o pray_v inspire_a in_o their_o ordination_n now_o since_o this_o gift_n or_o ability_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o quickness_n of_o invention_n and_o speech_n which_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v by_o art_n and_o practice_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n than_o our_o natural_a strength_n or_o skill_n in_o history_n or_o the_o like_a all_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o minister_n be_v to_o concur_v with_o their_o honest_a endeavour_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o pray_v extempore_o be_v to_o take_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n for_o grant_v 3._o this_o freedom_n of_o utterance_n be_v never_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o scripture_n pray_v in_o unknown_a language_n be_v once_o call_v a_o gift_n but_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o language_n be_v never_o call_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o gift_n of_o readiness_n of_o speech_n be_v not_o appropriate_v by_o god_n to_o prayer_n but_o leave_v in_o common_a to_o all_o other_o honest_a use_n that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o and_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o plead_v at_o the_o bar_n or_o of_o dispute_v or_o conversation_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n according_o we_o find_v that_o those_o who_o have_v this_o gift_n in_o prayer_n have_v it_o
but_o i_o affirm_v that_o several_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v in_o god_n word_n thus_o numb_a 6.23_o etc._n etc._n the_o priest_n be_v command_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n in_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o deut._n 21.7_o 8._o the_o people_n be_v enjoin_v to_o say_v be_v merciful_a o_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o 26.13_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v bring_v etc._n etc._n look_v down_o from_o thy_o holy_a etc._n etc._n david_n also_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n appoint_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n for_o the_o public_a service_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n of_o many_o of_o they_o and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o yet_o we_o find_v they_o be_v deliver_v by_o david_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o asaph_n and_o his_o brethren_n for_o form_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n 1_o chron._n 16.7_o and_z according_o hezekiah_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o 2_o chron._n 29.30_o this_o liturgy_n also_o be_v renew_v by_o ezra_n ezr._n 3.10_o 11._o beside_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o he_o do_v as_o plain_o prescribe_v that_o very_a form_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a nay_o have_v he_o say_v use_v this_o form_n it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o expressive_a of_o his_o intention_n to_o impose_v it_o as_o a_o form_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o a_o form_n but_o only_o a_o pattern_n or_o directory_n of_o prayer_n because_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 6.9_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v 1._o when_o the_o same_o matter_n be_v mention_v ambiguous_o in_o one_o text_n and_o plain_o in_o another_o than_o the_o doubtful_a or_o ambiguous_a text_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o plain_a one_o now_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d matt._n 6.9_o may_v be_v as_o well_o translate_v pray_v in_o these_o word_n as_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o i_o confess_v we_o can_v certain_o know_v from_o that_o text_n whether_o christ_n command_v we_o to_o use_v that_o very_a form_n or_o one_o like_o it_o but_o then_o the_o word_n luke_n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o express_v a_o command_n to_o use_v that_o very_a form_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v plain_a and_o therefore_o the_o other_o text_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o they_o 2._o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o prayer_n not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o directory_n but_o of_o a_o form_n have_v he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o directory_n he_o will_v have_v bid_v they_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n whereas_o he_o give_v they_o a_o form_v prayer_n and_o bid_v they_o say_v it_o and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o he_o intend_v we_o shall_v use_v it_o as_o a_o form_n since_o he_o give_v it_o as_o such_o 3._o though_o the_o word_n in_o st._n matthew_n be_v only_o a_o directory_n yet_o those_o in_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o former_a be_v deliver_v in_o the_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o his_o baptism_n but_o the_o latter_a upon_o another_o quite_o different_a occasion_n in_o the_o three_o year_n after_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o disciple_n understand_v those_o in_o st._n matthew_n only_o as_o a_o directory_n and_o request_v our_o saviour_n afterward_o to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n for_o 4._o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o this_o prayer_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v their_o request_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n for_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n to_o teach_v their_o disciple_n a_o particular_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o st._n john_n have_v do_v the_o same_o and_o the_o disciple_n desire_v that_o christ_n will_v do_v so_o too_o for_o neither_o st._n john_n nor_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o to_o pray_v but_o their_o request_n be_v that_o christ_n will_v give_v they_o his_o particular_a form_n according_a to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o this_o form_n he_o give_v they_o which_o we_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n do_v prescribe_v it_o as_o a_o form_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o instruct_v and_o enable_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o say_v they_o before_o christ_n ascension_n the_o disciple_n have_v ask_v nothing_o in_o his_o name_n joh._n 16.24_o but_o all_o prayer_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n 14.13_o 14._o &_o 16.23_o now_o this_o prayer_n have_v nothing_o of_o his_o name_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v use_v after_o his_o ascension_n and_o according_o say_v they_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o disciple_n use_v this_o form_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o he_o prescribe_v this_o form_n only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o not_o for_o continual_a use_n and_o if_o we_o may_v pronounce_v christ_n institution_n to_o be_v null_a without_o his_o authority_n than_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v temporary_a prescription_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n whatever_o christ_n have_v institute_v without_o limitation_n of_o time_n do_v always_o oblige_v 2._o that_o his_o not_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n into_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o he_o never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v use_v after_o his_o ascension_n for_o to_o pray_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o his_o mediation_n depend_v upon_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o prayer_n may_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o christ_n name_n though_o we_o do_v not_o name_v he_o thus_o without_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n pray_v in_o his_o name_n act_v 4.24_o though_o his_o mediation_n be_v not_o mention_v it_o be_v true_a his_o name_n be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n because_o when_o he_o give_v it_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v and_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n till_o after_o his_o ascension_n but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v we_o can_v as_o well_o offer_v it_o in_o his_o name_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v express_v in_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v so_o frame_v that_o now_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o mediation_n be_v to_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v we_o can_v offer_v it_o at_o all_o but_o in_o and_o through_o his_o mediation_n for_o god_n be_v peculiarly_a our_o father_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o christ_n not_o insert_v his_o own_o name_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o design_n it_o for_o a_o stand_a form_n 3._o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v it_o for_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v from_o the_o silence_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v as_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n though_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o those_o who_o live_v near_a the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o they_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a do_v always_o use_v this_o form_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o believe_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o now_o that_o this_o prayer_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o stand_a form_n to_o be_v perpetual_o use_v appear_v from_o tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n st._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n st._n cyril_n cat._n mist_n 5._o st._n jerom._n in_o pelag._n l._n 3._o st._n austin_n hom._n 42.50_o epist_n 59_o st._n chrysost_o de_fw-fr simult_n st._n gregory_n ep._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 6._o and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o who_o believe_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o to_o be_v perpetual_o oblige_v can_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v constant_o use_v in_o the_o apostolic_a age._n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v
book_n and_o laxation_n of_o discipline_n in_o those_o war_n atheism_n have_v much_o increase_v and_o they_o say_v that_o some_o undisguised_a sceptic_n and_o atheist_n have_v since_o the_o king_n return_n be_v much_o use_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o sure_o such_o hand_n can_v do_v what_o well_o meaning_n zeal_n can_v not_o effect_v nor_o can_v they_o settle_v themselves_o as_o several_a distinct_a party_n by_o a_o general_a toleration_n for_o first_o some_o dissenter_n believe_v some_o of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v incapable_a of_o forbearance_n as_o maintain_v principle_n destructive_a of_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n this_o opinion_n they_o still_o have_v of_o antinomian_o quaker_n and_o muggletonian_n and_o they_o former_o declaim_v against_o the_o toleration_n of_o erastians_n and_o independent_o 12._o independent_o harmon_n consent_n p._n 12._o nay_o many_o minister_n declare_v a_o toleration_n to_o be_v a_o appoint_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o man_n conscience_n for_o the_o devil_n to_o fly_v to_o a_o toleration_n of_o soul-murther_n the_o great_a murder_n of_o all_o other_o etc._n etc._n second_o there_o be_v no_o firmness_n in_o this_o union_n for_o the_o union_n that_o last_v be_v that_o of_o the_o concord_n of_o member_n in_o a_o uniform_a body_n three_o party_n can_v be_v keep_v equal_a in_o number_n and_o interest_n but_o one_o will_v always_o prevail_v and_o be_v favour_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o attempt_v to_o subdue_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o in_o perpetual_a discord_n some_o indeed_o think_v this_o inclination_n to_o the_o swallow_v up_o of_o all_o other_o party_n be_v to_o be_v find_v almost_o only_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o there_o be_v something_o of_o it_o to_o be_v discern_v i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o all_o church_n for_o our_o own_o suffer_v bonner_n himself_o to_o live_v yet_o in_o all_o faction_n and_o party_n though_o the_o inequality_n of_o power_n make_v it_o not_o seem_v to_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o of_o they_o party_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o show_n concern_v for_o religion_n will_v perpetual_o covet_v after_o power_n and_o party_n that_o be_v conscientious_a in_o their_o way_n will_v do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o because_o they_o think_v communion_n with_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o think_v those_o of_o another_o way_n without_o repentance_n to_o be_v lose_v eternal_o charity_n will_v urge_v they_o to_o reduce_v they_o and_o they_o will_v think_v that_o suffer_v they_o to_o wander_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o condition_n beside_o experience_n show_v that_o where_o there_o be_v power_n there_o be_v little_a forbearance_n and_o the_o same_o man_n as_o their_o condition_n alter_v speak_v of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n thus_o do_v the_o 2._o the_o vid._n august_n cont._n petil._n lib._n 2._o donatist_n of_o old_a and_o the_o 3._o the_o mr._n calamy_n great_a dang_n of_o cou._n ref._n p._n 3._o head_n of_o the_o discipline_n in_o the_o late_a time_n those_o that_o remove_v to_o new_a england_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v get_v foot_v there_o refuse_v indulgence_n to_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o use_v they_o to_o this_o day_n with_o great_a severity_n the_o 276._o the_o whitlock_n memoir_n p._n 276._o commons_o in_o 47_o give_v indulgence_n to_o all_o but_o those_o that_o use_v the_o common_a prayer_n the_o dutch_a suffer_v none_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o doctrine_n which_o the_o state_n have_v authorize_v and_o the_o remonstrant_a party_n contend_v for_o superiority_n whenever_o they_o have_v any_o encouragement_n the_o popish_a order_n mortal_o hate_v and_o be_v they_o not_o restrain_v will_v soon_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o gittichius_n his_o behaviour_n towards_o 416._o towards_o ruari_fw-la epist_n par_fw-fr 1._o p._n 415_o 416._o ruarus_n a_o socinian_n of_o better_a temper_n show_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o socinian_o those_o great_a asserter_n of_o liberty_n in_o religion_n the_o quaker_n themselves_o when_o form_v into_o a_o society_n begin_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o domineer_v and_o g._n fox_n 41._o fox_n spirit_n of_o the_o hart._n p._n 41._o declare_v he_o never_o like_v the_o word_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v have_v no_o liberty_n give_v to_o presbyterian_o papist_n independent_o and_o baptist_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o removal_n of_o popery_n and_o perfect_a the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o popery_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o church_n call_v by_o diodati_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n will_v rather_o advantage_v it_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o for_o she_o be_v more_o like_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n than_o some_o other_o of_o the_o reformation_n can_v better_o answer_v the_o papist_n objection_n than_o those_o that_o be_v cramp_v in_o a_o few_o point_n and_o therefore_o if_o dissension_n ruin_v she_o popery_n will_v the_o soon_o spread_v over_o foreign_a reform_a country_n and_o since_o the_o romanist_n be_v so_o powerful_a diligent_a and_o cunning_a have_v so_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n and_o pretend_v to_o antiquity_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v secure_v we_o from_o they_o at_o home_n but_o the_o christian_a constitution_n and_o strong_a nature_n of_o the_o primitive_a learned_a pure_a loyal_a and_o pious_a church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o national_a body_n already_o form_v that_o be_v able_a to_o detect_v the_o forgery_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v not_o give_v advantage_n to_o she_o by_o run_v from_o she_o into_o any_o extreme_a mounseur_fw-fr daille_n who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v partial_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o be_v at_o that_o time_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n with_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n 98._o divine_n de_fw-fr confess_v adv_fw-la hammond_n c._n 1._o p._n 97_o 98._o say_v as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n purge_v from_o foreign_a wicked_a superstitious_a worship_n and_o error_n either_o impious_a or_o dangerous_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n approve_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o illustrious_a martyr_n abound_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o with_o most_o frequent_a example_n of_o good_a work_n flourish_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o this_o time_n i_o have_v always_o have_v it_o in_o just_a esteem_n and_o till_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o due_a veneration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o who_o know_v other_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v displease_v at_o we_o which_o so_o much_o excel_v they_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v less_o strength_n in_o it_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o popery_n than_o a_o number_n of_o divide_a party_n the_o best_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o primitive_a learned_a united_n numerous_n or_o legal_a and_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o these_o party_n have_v scarce_o any_o form_a way_n of_o keep_v out_o popery_n for_o what_o hinder_v a_o crafty_a jesuit_n from_o gather_v and_o model_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o a_o gap_n do_v they_o leave_v open_a for_o seducer_n who_o take_v away_o all_o legal_a test_n and_o admit_v stranger_n to_o officiate_v upon_o bare_a pretence_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n the_o romanist_n have_v more_o powerful_a way_n of_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o dissent_v party_n than_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o man_n separate_v too_o frequent_o through_o weakness_n of_o imagination_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v variety_n of_o gratification_n they_o will_v offer_v strictness_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o mental_a prayer_n to_o those_o who_o contemn_v or_o scruple_n form_n they_o have_v mystical_a phrase_n for_o such_o who_o think_v they_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n when_o they_o darken_v understanding_n with_o word_n and_o according_o the_o three_o part_n of_o a_o very_a mystical_a book_n write_v by_o father_n benet_n a_o capuchin_n be_v reprint_v in_o london_n in_o 46_o with_o a_o alley_n a_o a_o bright_a star_n centre_v in_o christ_n our_o perfection_n print_a for_o h._n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n new_a title_n and_o without_o the_o author_n name_n and_o it_o pass_v among_o some_o of_o the_o party_n for_o a_o book_n of_o very_o sublime_a evangelical_n truth_n they_o use_v much_o gesture_n and_o great_a show_n of_o zeal_n in_o preach_v they_o have_v rough_a cord_n and_o mean_a garment_n bare_a foot_n and_o many_o other_o great_a show_v of_o self-denial_n they_o have_v procession_n and_o other_o rite_n to_o humour_v the_o soppishness_n of_o other_o but_o
themselves_o do_v grant_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o prohibition_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o then_o they_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a because_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v 1._o be_v teach_v matth._n 28.29_o 2._o believe_v mark_v 16.16_o 3._o repent_v act_v 2.38_o but_o those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a than_o the_o apostle_n word_n 2_o thess_n 3.10_o do_v prove_v that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v for_o he_o require_v that_o if_o any_o will_v not_o work_v neither_o shall_v he_o eat_v now_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n can_v work_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v none_o but_o grow_v person_n ought_v to_o eat_v again_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o plague_n in_o any_o country_n and_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o call_v 11_o or_o 12_o man_n and_o give_v they_o a_o meditine_n against_o this_o plague_n and_o say_v go_v into_o such_o a_o country_n and_o call_v the_o people_n of_o it_o together_o and_o teach_v they_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o medicine_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o take_v it_o from_o you_o shall_v live_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v die_v now_o since_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o medicine_n though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o will_v any_o man_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o none_o but_o grow_v person_n shall_v receive_v it_o because_o they_o only_o can_v be_v call_v together_o and_o be_v teach_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o that_o bring_v it_o no_o certain_o wherefore_o see_v child_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n know_v they_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o to_o have_v receive_v both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n shall_v be_v baptise_a shall_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n have_v order_v some_o prophet_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o law_n to_o every_o creature_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v will_v those_o prophet_n have_v circumcise_a and_o baptise_a only_o grow_v person_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o if_o in_o a_o short_a history_n of_o their_o mission_n we_o shall_v have_v read_v that_o they_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o glad_o receive_v their_o word_n will_v this_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o also_o circumcise_v and_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o those_o believe_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o usage_n of_o their_o mother-church_n or_o shall_v god_n bid_v 12_o man_n of_o a_o church_n that_o have_v always_o practise_v infant-baptism_n go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o indies_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v will_v those_o man_n that_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n think_v it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o infant_n no_o certain_o and_o therefore_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o apostle_n can_v not_o so_o understand_v their_o commission_n as_o to_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n now_o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o either_o express_o or_o otherwise_o exclude_v infant_n from_o baptism_n certain_o his_o command_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n do_v comprehend_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o men._n for_o the_o apostle_n live_v under_o a_o dispensation_n where_o infant_n be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v natural_o understand_v their_o commission_n of_o baptise_v to_o have_v extend_v unto_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o actual_a believer_n our_o adversary_n indeed_o put_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o they_o will_v well_o consider_v the_o next_o word_n they_o will_v find_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o they_o because_o it_o follow_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o same_o want_n of_o faith_n which_o here_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n exclude_v also_o from_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o infant_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o same_o incapacity_n of_o believe_v which_o exclude_v they_o from_o baptism_n exclude_v they_o from_o salvation_n too_o wherefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v in_o that_o text_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o grow_v person_n just_a as_o the_o word_n john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o but_o they_o urge_v also_o that_o baptism_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o infant_n because_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o signify_v nothing_o but_o only_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n of_o which_o say_v they_o infant_n be_v whole_o uncapable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o another_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a circumcision_n which_o be_v all_o that_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o profit_v nothing_o without_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o infant_n can_v not_o keep_v but_o that_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o yet_o infant_n be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o so_o that_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v prove_v nothing_o because_o it_o stretch_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n beyond_o their_o just_a meaning_n which_o be_v to_o let_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n know_v not_o that_o their_o infant_n be_v unprofitable_o circumcise_a or_o baptise_a but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rest_v in_o external_a circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o far_o have_v not_o the_o church_n be_v always_o in_o possession_n of_o this_o practice_n or_o can_v any_o time_n be_v show_v on_o this_o side_n the_o apostle_n when_o it_o begin_v nay_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n or_o that_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n otherwise_o orthodox_n do_v decline_v the_o baptise_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o these_o man_n do_v now_o then_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o their_o argument_n be_v better_a than_o they_o real_o be_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o ancient_a a_o practice_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o church_n ancient_n or_o modern_a which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a teacher_n bring_v in_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o very_a first_o age_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o very_a companion_n and_o contemporary_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o write_v against_o other_o heresy_n pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n though_o we_o be_v sure_a from_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v 181._o be_v see_v suicerus_fw-la in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hammond_n on_o matth._n 19.28_o john_n 3.5_o selden_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la lib._n 2._o c._n 4._o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la p._n 181._o practise_v in_o those_o early_a time_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v all_o consent_n in_o such_o a_o dangerous_a error_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o peaceable_o and_o tame_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o opposition_n or_o that_o such_o a_o alteration_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o observation_n no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o or_o when_o certain_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o grow_v person_n before_o baptism_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o infant_n ought_v not_o
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chriâ—â—_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v â—e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o tâ—s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o
we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o duty_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n this_o whole_a matter_n say_v dr._n hammond_n disc_n of_o scan_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n second_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o consider_v we_o shall_v soon_o fâ—â—d_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v upon_o this_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n than_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o 1._o our_o separation_n harden_v other_o dissenter_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o conformity_n for_o they_o will_v think_v we_o separate_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v true_a scandalize_a they_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a cause_n 2._o whatever_o sect_n we_o join_v with_o we_o offend_v all_o the_o other_o party_n who_o sometime_o speak_v as_o hardly_o of_o one_o another_o as_o of_o the_o conformist_n 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o conformist_n for_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n distaste_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o well-meaning_a but_o least-knowing_a member_n of_o it_o 4._o scandal_n be_v thereby_o give_v to_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sinful_a to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o offend_a a_o prince_n a_o parliament_n &_o c_o no_o scandal_n take_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n 5._o hereby_o scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n because_o they_o only_o have_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n the_o papist_n always_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o our_o division_n whereas_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v this_o weapon_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n 6._o separation_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudices_fw-la men_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n they_o have_v cause_v shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o answer_v those_o plea_n by_o which_o the_o dissenter_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o nothing_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o add_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n &_o due_o consider_v what_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o nothing_o but_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v charge_v our_o church_n with_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o defend_v your_o practice_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v better_o yet_o every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o warrant_n enough_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v but_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a &_o whether_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o she_o have_v corrupt_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o require_v her_o member_n to_o join_v in_o these_o corruption_n but_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a mr._n caâ—â—â—â—_n 12._o caâ—â—â—â—_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect_n 10_o 11_o 12._o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o your_o own_o practice_n nay_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n tell_v you_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o yourself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o you_o by_o forbear_v what_o you_o dislike_v as_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o case_n will_v bear_v this_o wantonness_n and_o whether_o such_o expression_n be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o confess_v to_o make_v out_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o i_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o a_o public_a rule_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v reason_n enough_o to_o justify_v thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o compliance_n without_o more_o ado_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o union_n till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o our_o case_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o change_n though_o in_o